NM can cut K-12 spending, especially administration

With massive deficits facing New Mexico, the debate over what spending should be “on the table” or “off” has begun. Democrats say all education spending should be sacrosanct. Several Democratic Senators went so far as to urge higher teacher pay.

As US Census data clearly show, the state spends far more heavily on administration than even the next-highest state:

New Mexico also spends rather heavily on education relative to its neighbors. As seen in the chart below (derived from the same Census data), New Mexico considerably outspends its neighbors on a per-pupil basis.

Performance has not been forthcoming. Perhaps it would be worthwhile for New Mexico legislators and education bureaucrats to consider studying what our neighbors are doing to obtain better results for less money.